Online FNP Programs vs B&M

[ISLANDER RN]

I have been enrolled in an online FNP program at a private, not-for- profit school for the past year and a half. There was always this feeling however that I was not learning enough in this program, so I decided to take a couple of classes at a regular brick and mortar school that also offers this degree. The difference in the quality of education has been like night and day.

For starters, I am able to communicate directly and develop personal relationships with my fellow classmates and instructors. We were able to organize group study sessions and bounce ideas off each other and have questions answered by our instructors right away instead of waiting 24-48 hours for their email response. One of our professors even offered to conduct review classes to better prepare us for the NP exams. Most on-line programs basically involve self study, which may be okay for some individuals. If I am paying $700/unit though, I would expect more than just instructor feedback on my discussion postings. I understand that not everyone has the opportunity to attend a brick & mortar school, and if taking your NP courses online is your only option and works for you, then more power to you and I wish you all the success. If one is able to attend a regular B&M school though to obtain their NP degree, I would strongly encourage them to do so.

Also, please do not post "it is what you put into it" type of answers. I got it. I am just making this post as someone who has experienced both the on-line and traditional classroom methods of instruction in this academic field of study.

I will be withdrawing from the online program this week and focus on completing my FNP degree the traditional way.

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

Online learning, in general, requires a particular type of student in my opinion. Online simply doesn't work for everyone. Of course there are some program that are generally better than others, but not simply be used one is B&M and the other in a distance format.

Like it was stated earlier, "prestigious private schools like Duke, Vanderbilt, and Georgetown have online/distance programs. Im sure they have such programs because they realize it's a need for many students. The students are apparently very well prepared for boards and have remarked they felt challenged in their coursework. There are plenty of student reviewed online for Duke and Georgetown.

Public schools like Univ of Cin, UMASS, ECU have had great success with their online/distance programs as well. Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

Most of the NPs (approximately 80%) in my area of rural NC graduated from in-state NP programs via distance education because we live 2 hours away from the closest NP program. So I think the whole "you went to school online" thing is variant according to where you live.

[zenman]

Please post these studies, then go look through distance education journals to see the studies from those in the education field. I've never had an employer ask where I went to school, although it was on my resume. But I've never been asked a single question in my like about my school.

Employers definitely prefer graduates from brick-and-mortar schools as a general matter, or at least that is what most studies have found. Not saying they are any better, but the employers think they are.

I have taken both on-line and brick-and-mortar classes in my graduate MSN program. I found the on-line classes easier and less time consuming. I think it depends on the person and the curriculum, the goals of attending the program, etc.

[TammyG]

Here is the most recent study regarding employers' preference for brick and mortar schools, which was conducted by an independent non-profit research group. Zenman, since you have many graduate degrees in many fields, I doubt any employer would question your education. For new NP grads, it may be more of a factor. http://www.publicagenda.org/files/NotYetSold_PublicAgenda_2013.pdf

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

Ok, now how about peer reviewed research and some that relates to advanced education please.

[zenman]

Sorry, but I have ADD and it was early in the morning. For the rest of my comments, you can find the same in peer-reviewed Distance Education journals about the benefits of distance education. Other than that you're just projecting, I'm afraid.

I don't mean to be hard on people but come on and get a grip. This topic has been discussed to death. Do a search before bringing it up again. You will find B&M schools that are both good and horrible. Same for distance education schools. Pick what you think fits your learning style.

And if you think my post is indigant or derisive, I think you need to schedule a session with me.

Reading is fundamental. Next time, take your time before you respond; especially in a derisive manner.

[TammyG]

I think the OP was just giving her personal opinion based on personal experiences, just as you gave yours. I don't think you need a reference study to give your personal opinion. This board is a chance to express your feelings and opinions about all types of topics, and unfortunately your very rude post will probably discourage her from ever doing so again. As for reference citations, I gave one to support my understanding that most employers prefer brick-and-mortar graduates. That study wasn't good enough for you, that's fine. You are welcome to voice your opinion.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

Actually Zenman didn't respond to you about your "research", I did. You posted marketing materials, nothing more. Don't confuse it with research. Yes, people can post their opinions, but posting opinions as fact "Employers definitely prefer graduates from brick-and-mortar schools as a general matter, or at least that is what most studies have found." and then posting marketing materials as research is just plain misleading and should be called out.

Yes the OP did post their opinion and personal experience, and Zenman's original post pointed out the fact that it was not really a comparison of B&M vs online programs as much as one B&M program from a state university vs one online program from a for-profit school, a very different thing.

[zenman]

Do you want to make it clear who you are addressing?

I think the OP was just giving her personal opinion based on personal experiences, just as you gave yours. I don't think you need a reference study to give your personal opinion. This board is a chance to express your feelings and opinions about all types of topics, and unfortunately your very rude post will probably discourage her from ever doing so again. As for reference citations, I gave one to support my understanding that most employers prefer brick-and-mortar graduates. That study wasn't good enough for you, that's fine. You are welcome to voice your opinion.

[MarlaSinger]

I have experienced all the above as a graduate with multiple grad degrees in both types of programs. So basically, I'm making your post null and void and a waste of both our time. This is, for you, what we call an "educational moment" provided entirely on-line without you having to leave your home, dress-up, spend time driving to school and finding a parking space, wasting gas, wasting valuable study time, increasing your risk for traffic accidents, not having the ability to watch a class video over and over in your own time until you have the material down 100%, not having to listen to fellow students ask questions they would have known if they had prepared before class, not having the ability to develop friendships all across the country with fellow students (and be able to couch surf on trips), etc, etc...

This tone was uncalled for, IMO. Sometimes it is better to say nothing than to jump down someone's throat just because they have a different opinion than you do.

I agree with some of what both posts point out. I have spent entire classes dealing with technical problems through Simmons online FNP program. Yes it is convenient, but it is not all roses. There is a communication breakdown for one. If you're going to run an online grad program there should be stellar communication in place and there sometimes is not. Much of the learning is independent and you must be very disciplined. I can see where it would not be good for some people who learn better in a B&M setting.

[Simplyroses]

One big item to consider when comparing graduate level clinical programs: does the school vet your preceptors and find your placements? Whether B&M or Online, a professional graduate level education includes not only didactic but integrated clinical time as well. You might have a fabulous network of providers willing to be your preceptor in your area. If you do not have a network and are required to find your own preceptors, then the program might be setting you up for failure. The school should find and vet your placements.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

One big item to consider when comparing graduate level clinical programs: does the school vet your preceptors and find your placements? Whether B&M or Online, a professional graduate level education includes not only didactic but integrated clinical time as well. You might have a fabulous network of providers willing to be your preceptor in your area. If you do not have a network and are required to find your own preceptors, then the program might be setting you up for failure. The school should find and vet your placements.

I would agree with vetting them, the school most certainly should do that, any school that doesn't, and that doesn't monitor the students progress throughout the clinicals with onsite visits as well as other methods would be severely lacking in my opinion.

However, If you plan on going to a school that does not have deep roots in your community, then I would be be very careful with a program that wanted to place you with preceptors they found for you. You don't know what preceptors the school is planning on getting for you. How well do they know the community? Do they know who are the preceptors that actually teach and know how to incorporate a student into their practice, or are they just finding a warm body for you? What restrictions are there on where they will place you? 50 miles? 100? There are a lot of downsides to having a program with little to no knowledge of your community come in and pick a preceptor that you have to learn from.

I would say the ideal is if the program will guarantee you a preceptor, but will allow you to find ones of your own if you can. Then you have a chance to work with the preceptors that you know are the best in your community, you can build a relationship with that provider and the other providers in that office as well as those that you are referring to. When it comes time to find a job, it will be much easier if you have built a network locally (unless you expect to move at that time).

My program falls short of this ideal, in that they don't guarantee you that they will find a preceptor for you. However, they have found preceptors for students when a crisis situation has occurred. They just don't advertise it because they want the student to do their part in finding the preceptor for themselves.

[v101ick]

Wow, how closed minded. I believe is has to do with the program requirements, types of students accepted and clinical externship. Reputable programs (online and traditional) both know what it takes to pass boards, graduate students, keep enrollment up and have high employment rates post graduation. I attended a local (45 min drive) traditional FNP program that is hands down reputable. It did come with a price (time, money, energy etc) and I am grateful for that experience; however that doesn't mean that an online program would not have produced an equivalent graduate. There are so many factors that weight into this decision, I now believe it is difficult to make just on a few factors. I was appreciative for what Spalding University offered: clinical placement, guaranteed classes, high pass rates for certification and job placement assistance. They have knowledgable professors with experience (FNP's) and they only accept qualified applicants. Please, lets keep the postings positive, relevant and without negative remarks that are not necessary.